Whatever’s happened to boot polish?

Gloomtastic! · 13-03-2026 03:32PM #1

Son’s going to a ball tonight so I’m here polishing his shoes.

There’s no smell of boot polish any more because the polish is water-based. The shine’s not as good either. Is this a regulation thing or an environmental thing?

Used to take the smell for granted, now I miss it!!!!!

dePeatrick · 13-03-2026 04:00PM

Got a tin of kiwi last week, smells different, not turpentine as I thought it was. It does not smell as it used to, Kiwi is also closed down now.

amber2 · 13-03-2026 04:28PM

You get high af on it, the old stuff contained toxic chemicals I’m guessing.

Dial Hard · 13-03-2026 04:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058435885/whatever-s-happened-to-boot-polish

Why isn't he polishing his own shoes???!!!

I'd say very few people even polish shoes anymore, they just wear them til they're scuffed and then buy new ones. I feel like realising that shoes even need to be polished in the first place, and then knowing how to do it properly is one of those things that's a complete anachronism to most people under the age of about 40.